Stewart Island/Rakiura, Stewart Island

Fair play

Fair play

Whether it’s a playhouse, she shed or teenager’s sleepout, a stencil-painted floor in Resene Clockwork Orange will elevate it from meh to wow.

1676 days ago

Poll: Should the minimum wage have been raised?

Nicole Johnstone Reporter from Southland Times

The Southland Chamber of Commerce has joined others in calling for the minimum wage increase to be postponed, saying it's just another pressure during the lockdown period that business owners don't need. Do you think it should have been raised?
Read more: www.stuff.co.nz...

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Should the minimum wage have been raised?
  • 66.7% Yes, it needed to be raised
    66.7% Complete
  • 0% I don't care
    0% Complete
  • 33.3% No, the time isn't right
    33.3% Complete
12 votes
1677 days ago

Doing DIY while you're staying at home?

Resene

Resene has a FREE Ask a Technical Expert service available so you can ask all your paint, stain, prep and wallpaper questions. Simply visit www.resene.co.nz/techexpert.

And if you haven’t starting painting yet, but are starting to plan a future project, you can get free advice from a Resene… View more
Resene has a FREE Ask a Technical Expert service available so you can ask all your paint, stain, prep and wallpaper questions. Simply visit www.resene.co.nz/techexpert.

And if you haven’t starting painting yet, but are starting to plan a future project, you can get free advice from a Resene colour expert, using the Resene Ask a Colour Expert service. Simply visit www.resene.co.nz/colourexpert to ask your query.
Visit us online

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1677 days ago

Have you been ordering fresh fruit and veges online?

Georgia Weaver Reporter from Southland Times

In the nick of time, Wilson's Vegie Stall at Wilson's Crossing, near Invercargill, has been deemed an essential business, so it doesn't have to dump its entire winter vegetable crop amid the coronavirus lockdown.

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1677 days ago

Aluminium smelter's forth potline to close

Georgia Weaver Reporter from Southland Times

Rio Tinto says it will close one of the four potlines at its Tiwai Point aluminium smelter, potline four, to ensure it can cope with the restrictions at the plant that are needed because of the coronavirus pandemic. It has only been reopened for about two years.

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1678 days ago

COVID-19 Non-Compliance Report

Crimestoppers New Zealand

In support of the whole of government response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19), Crimestoppers has developed a reporting process for both the 0800 555 111 and www.crimestoppers... portals.

The anonymous foundation for all our reports remains if required, and all reports that relate to … View more
In support of the whole of government response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19), Crimestoppers has developed a reporting process for both the 0800 555 111 and www.crimestoppers... portals.

The anonymous foundation for all our reports remains if required, and all reports that relate to self-isolation breaches, illegal outdoor gatherings or similar, will be immediately forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

Report here: www.crimestoppers-nz.org...

Crimeline reports do not replace your option to ring police directly on 111 or 105 or your ability to advise the Ministry of Health through the NHCCselfisolation@health.govt.nz email address.

Keep safe.
Crimestoppers New Zealand

0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers...
#covid19 #nz #newzealand #uniteagainstcovid19 #crimestoppers

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1678 days ago

Hazardous substance won't be moved during lockdown

Georgia Weaver Reporter from Southland Times

Trucks will not be rolling into Mataura to remove ouvea premix from the town's paper mill during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Environment Minister David Parker said the Government and councils were focused on responding to Covid-19 and ensuring essential services were provided.

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1679 days ago

Finding our Alert Level 4 routine

New Zealand Government

This week sees us all getting used to living at Alert Level 4. For this to work, we must all stick to the plan.

Stay home. It WILL save lives.
Let’s all remember why we are taking such extreme measures.
Staying home won’t always be easy. But the evidence tells us this is the best way to… View more
This week sees us all getting used to living at Alert Level 4. For this to work, we must all stick to the plan.

Stay home. It WILL save lives.
Let’s all remember why we are taking such extreme measures.
Staying home won’t always be easy. But the evidence tells us this is the best way to save the lives of other New Zealanders.

Finding our routines
It will take some time to build up new daily routines. That’s to be expected. We all need to be gentle with ourselves, and accept that things could be difficult for a while as we learn to adjust.

Looking after ourselves and others
Don’t forget to take time to look after yourself, and also to check-in on others. Asking someone how they are feeling is a good way to connect and show that you care.

We all need to stick to the plan
For this to work, and the effort we are all making to be worth it, we all need to stick to the plan, all the time. No exceptions.

Don’t move around
The virus is spread by us. So we all need to avoid moving around as much as possible. If you do go out for exercise or to get essential supplies, stay local. This is incredibly important. Don’t move between different areas.

Thank you for doing your bit
A massive thank you to everyone for working so hard to slow the spread of COVID-19. Together, we can and will save lives.

GOT QUESTIONS?
If you need help knowing what to do, visit covid19.govt.nz.
Read more now

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1679 days ago

Reach Out to your communities in times of crisis

Neighbourly.co.nz

Neighbourly is quickly becoming an essential way to connect with your neighbours and community during self-isolation. Check-in on the vulnerable around you, and if you have extra supplies or some essentials someone in your neighbourhood needs, you can drop it at their door.

Need help or can you… View more
Neighbourly is quickly becoming an essential way to connect with your neighbours and community during self-isolation. Check-in on the vulnerable around you, and if you have extra supplies or some essentials someone in your neighbourhood needs, you can drop it at their door.

Need help or can you support someone in need?

Reach out to your Neighbours here now.
Visit page

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1687 days ago

Poll: Prospa Local Business Hero - who gets your vote?

Prospa

Small businesses need our support more than ever right now. While it's uncertain times for all, we are still proud to be celebrating our 11 regional Local Business Heroes for their commitment to their communities. 

They now need your help! We are now looking for the New Zealand … View more
Small businesses need our support more than ever right now. While it's uncertain times for all, we are still proud to be celebrating our 11 regional Local Business Heroes for their commitment to their communities. 

They now need your help! We are now looking for the New Zealand Prospa Local Business Hero - our overall winner, as voted by Neighbourly members around the country!

This lucky business will walk away with $10,000 worth of prizes!

Please take a couple of minutes to read the nominations below - then vote for the business you'd like to see named 2020 Prospa Local Business Hero.
______________________________________________________

NORTHLAND: Lew Ringrose - Ringrose Stockfoods
“A very humble man who has been sponsoring any and every cause that has been requested for well over 40 years. He sponsors so many causes in and outside of the neighborhood, goes out of his way to get the meal to the hungry animals, works through the night to fill orders, even on public holidays he steps in and runs the factory single handed to allow his staff time off. He is well past retirement but dedicated to keeping hungry animals supplied with food. No order is too big or too small for his fantastic team.”

AUCKLAND: Jay & Kusum - Orakei Superette
“Part of our lives for so many years. They offer a great business, post centre, the BEST fresh flowers and fruit & veg. I have NEVER known them to take a holiday. Kind and genuinely caring people who add so much to our community. You could not find a better Local Business Hero!”

WAIKATO: Te Aroha Vet Clinic
Te Aroha Veterinary Clinic provide a fantastic service from a team that are dedicated to I was devastated losing Blue (horse) I bred her 14 yrs ago and loved her dearly and now I had her orphan foal to care for. Without her dedication staying for hours trying to save Blue I honestly don't know how I would have coped. They are a true asset to our community they go above and beyond the call of duty helping to care for our all animals providing around the clock care and service.”

BAY OF PLENTY: Tony & Julie - Pyes Pa SuperValue
“The owners, Tony & Julie, are great at communicating and continually ask their customers if they stock the products they want, and if they don’t, they then get it in. They have a very friendly manner and their Managers and Staff are all attentive. Thanks to Tony & Julie for choosing Pyes Pa, you have fitted in well.”

HAWKE’S BAY - GISBORNE: Kaye & Alan - Cornucopia Organics
“The staff are friendly and helpful.Also the owners will order in whatever is required,if it is not currently on their shelves.”

TARANAKI: Down to Earth
“As well as a range of healthy tasty foodstuffs and quality herbal supplements, they also provide a range of products to help with sustainable living. They have recently introduced a "bring-you-own-container" refill facility for dishwasher, shampoo and other cleaners. However the best thing about this store is the excellent service. I'm always greeted with a smile and friendly word, offers of help, etc. It is always a pleasure to shop here.”

MANAWATU-WANGANUI: Margaret and Vijay - Maxwells Line Four Square
“Margaret and Veejay go out of their way to make sure customers get the freshest fruit and veggies in town and if they don't have what you want will ring around to source it for you. Despite being robbed and stabbed in daylight, they were open for business as usual the next day. They are held in high esteem locally.”

WELLINGTON: Quoc Tran - Tutere Street Four Square
“This man got out of Viet Nam by himself when he was13, sailed on a boat and spent time in camps before coming to NZ. He could not speak english. He purchased a local dairy and over the years has totally transformed and enlarged it providing employment to a number of locals. He is the ultimate friendly shopkeeper.”

NELSON - MARLBOROUGH: Cath - Blenheim Life Pharmacy
“They deliver my prescriptions to me as I’m often unable to get them. They always make sure nothing I'm prescribed interacts with anything and they always explain how to take my meds thoroughly to me, which is important as I've had a brain stem stroke and somedays my brain is scrambled. Cath is wonderful at dropping them off for me. They do a really important and medically serious job with kindness"

CANTERBURY - WEST: Mark & Des - The Vege Shop.
“The Vege Shop on Stourbridge is just the best little local biz in town. Mark and his wife Des always have a smile and time for a yarn. We feel so fortunate to have them just around the corner. They are awesome!”

OTAGO - SOUTHLAND: John Swindlehurst - A&J Services
“John is fantastic!!! He does everything from carpet repairs to chimney sweeping and pest control. I have him listed in my phone as John Everything! He has a brilliant attitude and has even come on public holidays at short notice.”

Prospa Local Business Hero - who gets your vote?
  • 11.3% NORTHLAND: Lew Ringrose - Ringrose Stockfoods
    11.3% Complete
  • 14.8% AUCKLAND: Jay & Kusum - Orakei Superette
    14.8% Complete
  • 7.5% WAIKATO: Te Aroha Vet Clinic
    7.5% Complete
  • 4.3% BAY OF PLENTY: Tony & Julie - Pyes Pa SuperValue
    4.3% Complete
  • 6.2% HAWKE’S BAY - GISBORNE: Kaye & Alan - Cornucopia Organics
    6.2% Complete
  • 5% TARANAKI: Down to Earth
    5% Complete
  • 14% MANAWATU-WANGANUI: Margaret and Vijay - Maxwells Line Four Square
    14% Complete
  • 18.4% WELLINGTON: Quoc Tran - Tutere Street Four Square
    18.4% Complete
  • 4.1% NELSON - MARLBOROUGH: Cath - Blenheim Life Pharmacy
    4.1% Complete
  • 11.9% CANTERBURY - WEST: Mark & Des - The Vege Shop.
    11.9% Complete
  • 2.5% OTAGO - SOUTHLAND: John Swindlehurst - A&J Services
    2.5% Complete
3110 votes
1681 days ago

How to spend our first weekend at Alert Level 4

New Zealand Government

This is a crucial time. You might be tempted to leave the house this weekend to enjoy your free time. But it’s incredibly important that you don’t revert back to ‘normal life’.

Remember why we are all taking these extreme measures. Stay home. Save lives. This breaks the chain and stops … View more
This is a crucial time. You might be tempted to leave the house this weekend to enjoy your free time. But it’s incredibly important that you don’t revert back to ‘normal life’.

Remember why we are all taking these extreme measures. Stay home. Save lives. This breaks the chain and stops the virus spreading.

How to break the chain, and protect us all:

STOP THE MOVEMENT
The virus is spread by us. It can’t move by itself. So we all need to avoid moving around as much as possible, eg:
● don't travel to and from baches or second homes
● avoid driving out of your neighbourhood
● don't travel across the country in campervans
● note that DOC has closed all of its campsites and huts.

KEEP EXERCISE LOCAL
There are very few exceptions to staying home, but exercise is one of them. Going for a walk, run or bike ride is good for your mental health. Just remember to:
● stay close to home. Enjoy your neighbourhood, but go no further
● keep it solitary, or only with those you live with
● keep a 2 metre distance from others.

DO SAFE ACTIVITIES ONLY
● Our emergency services need to be fully available to respond to COVID-19 cases. Any search and rescue operation reduces the ability of first responders to help others.
● Do your bit to help them by only undertaking safe activities, and avoiding going into areas where you could get lost or hurt and require their help. Avoid outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, tramping, or boating, hunting or hiking.

AVOID PUBLIC SPACES
● All bars, restaurants, cafes, gyms, cinemas, pools, museums, libraries and playgrounds are closed.
● Avoid places like beaches where people commonly linger, or are unable to maintain a 2 metre distance.
● Don't touch surfaces others may have touched when outdoors, like park benches or playgrounds.

When you return home carefully wash your hands, and any items you took with you outdoors.
Find out more

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1681 days ago

Subscribe to our free ezine Get Growing!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week's issue of Get Growing we say if you want fast food, grow speedy microgreens. Plus check out our guide to crops you can sow from seed in autumn, enter a sand saucer in our virtual garden show, propagate strawberry runners, save seeds, cover up bare soil and use this time in … View moreIn this week's issue of Get Growing we say if you want fast food, grow speedy microgreens. Plus check out our guide to crops you can sow from seed in autumn, enter a sand saucer in our virtual garden show, propagate strawberry runners, save seeds, cover up bare soil and use this time in isolation to tidy up gardens, sheds and seed stashes.

Make an elegant garden trellis and send bored kids outside to explore the garden and make a nature wristband. We also have some great prizes up for grabs, including a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener and a native plant prize pack from Blue Mountain Nurseries.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

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1682 days ago

Are you brushing up on any skills during the lockdown?

Nicole Johnstone Reporter from Southland Times

Sir Tim Shadbolt says the lockdown will at least drag him "kicking and screaming" into the world of modern technology.

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1682 days ago

This Otago - Southland business needs your support!

Prospa

A huge congratulations to John Swindlehurst from A&J Services. This local legend is a finalist in the Prospa Local Business Hero Awards.

Now he needs your vote to give him a chance to take home a prize package worth $10,000!

Good on you, and good luck, John. Thanks for bringing joy to … View more
A huge congratulations to John Swindlehurst from A&J Services. This local legend is a finalist in the Prospa Local Business Hero Awards.

Now he needs your vote to give him a chance to take home a prize package worth $10,000!

Good on you, and good luck, John. Thanks for bringing joy to your community - especially in these uncertain times.

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Nominated by Dell Taylor from Wanaka "John is fantastic!!! He does everything from carpet repairs to chimney sweeping and pest control. I have him listed in my phone as John Everything! He has a brilliant attitude and has even come on public holidays at short notice."
Vote for John

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1682 days ago

Let's look after each other

Neighbourly.co.nz

Neighbourhoods can be a great source of support. Connect with each other through our Reach Out page, show kindness and compassion, and strengthen connections with your communities.

Reach out to your Neighbours here now.

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1682 days ago

Two new babies since lockdown began

Nicole Johnstone Reporter from Southland Times

Two babies have been born in Southland since the Covid-19 lock down began and the Southland District Health Board is taking extra precautions during the pandemic to keep mothers and babies safe.

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